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It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Karina Vargas, a loving mother whose greatest joy was her children. On December 30, 2025, Karina’s journey came to an end after a courageous battle with stage 4 colorectal cancer. Her story is one of strength, love, and resilience in the face of unimaginable challenges.
Karina’s world changed when she went in for a colonoscopy, sensing something was not right. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine she would be diagnosed with stage four colorectal cancer. From that moment, life became a whirlwind of appointments, procedures, and treatments. She bravely endured 13 rounds of chemotherapy, 28 sessions of radiation, and over three surgeries in the hope of a cure. Despite her determination and the tireless efforts of her medical team, the cancer spread to her chest, lungs, liver, and bones. In October 2025, Karina made the brave and honorable decision to stop treatment, choosing quality of life over quantity. She was told she had 6 to 9 months left, but she faced this reality with grace and courage, determined to make the most of every moment.
In her final months, Karina truly lived. She traveled to see the Chiefs play, experienced the magic of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, and took a final trip to Disneyland and Universal Studios. Through it all, she laughed, smiled, and created lasting memories with her loved ones, even as she knew her time was short. Karina’s legacy is one of love, hope, and unwavering strength. She leaves behind three high school–aged children whose lives have been forever changed by her loss. As the family navigates this heartbreaking time, we are asking for support to help cover funeral and medical expenses. Any additional funds will go directly toward supporting her children’s present and future needs, including daily living expenses, school-related costs, and Elijah’s medical care for type 1 diabetes. Your kindness and generosity will help provide stability and hope for Karina’s children as they move forward without their beloved mother.
Karina’s world changed when she went in for a colonoscopy, sensing something was not right. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine she would be diagnosed with stage four colorectal cancer. From that moment, life became a whirlwind of appointments, procedures, and treatments. She bravely endured 13 rounds of chemotherapy, 28 sessions of radiation, and over three surgeries in the hope of a cure. Despite her determination and the tireless efforts of her medical team, the cancer spread to her chest, lungs, liver, and bones. In October 2025, Karina made the brave and honorable decision to stop treatment, choosing quality of life over quantity. She was told she had 6 to 9 months left, but she faced this reality with grace and courage, determined to make the most of every moment.
In her final months, Karina truly lived. She traveled to see the Chiefs play, experienced the magic of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, and took a final trip to Disneyland and Universal Studios. Through it all, she laughed, smiled, and created lasting memories with her loved ones, even as she knew her time was short. Karina’s legacy is one of love, hope, and unwavering strength. She leaves behind three high school–aged children whose lives have been forever changed by her loss. As the family navigates this heartbreaking time, we are asking for support to help cover funeral and medical expenses. Any additional funds will go directly toward supporting her children’s present and future needs, including daily living expenses, school-related costs, and Elijah’s medical care for type 1 diabetes. Your kindness and generosity will help provide stability and hope for Karina’s children as they move forward without their beloved mother.